I have tried to honor Bill’s integrity, grit and encourage in this blog while critical of the experience and though I met with him several times I have not until now shared some of his life stories he shared with me during my three interviews.
Both Bill and I shared experience with retail. Once upon time and more than 60 years ago Bill worked as a sales clerk at J.C. Penney’s. So did I and I think my wife did as well. There is something about a retail experience that motivates you to seek more education. I know that happened for me. I went back to Oregon State after a year off. Bill went on to law school after a year or two at JCP, but it left him with a communication style that was skilled and comfortable with whomever he met. And whenever law school felt a little frustrating, he recalled enough of his retail experience to help him refocus.
Bill and I also attended the same church for years, unbeknownst to me and in fact his wife’s father was the pastor at that church in its early years. In fact his father-in-law may have founded that church. Although Bill was quietly spiritual, I did not get the idea that he was or even wanted to be that active. Still, I think his approach to everyone was with a comfortable grace.
Bill loved being a lawyer. I don’t really get it because most of the lawyers I know do not like it. But perhaps he had an experience more in line with those of his age, a role of a professional counselor much more than someone who wanted to bill the hell of out of you. Maybe that’s why he gave so much time to the profession, as president of the Oregon State Bar, Chairman of the Disciplinary Board, an early role with the PLF and served on lots of committees.
I have to go review my notes and I promise to add much more very soon.
When Justice Fails 